(From left) George and Rose Savastano, Michele and Jay Gillian
About 120 people donned their most creative Halloween costumes and kicked up their heels Friday night at the Ocean City Theatre Company’s 4th Annual Halloween Party fundraiser.
“It has gotten bigger each year,” said Theatre Company Production Manager Laura Bretherick, attired as the famous Warner Brothers cartoon, the Roadrunner. A cartoon word bubble stating “Beep Beep” was suspended over her head.
“This event has become our main fall fundraiser,” she said. “The locals turn out to support us and they have a good time. They are helping us to keep our programming going,” she said.
Early bird tickets to the event went for $65 per person. The price went up to $75 closer to the event. In addition to music and dancing, participants enjoyed a full course dinner, desserts and an open bar. A DJ spun Halloween-themed classic rock. The event ran from 7 to 11 p.m.
Other members of the OCTC kept the Saturday morning cartoon theme going with Jim and Janice Hartman, the Technical Director and Business Manager, respectively, dressed as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Production Director Mike Hartman and Music Director Jon Kreamer portrayed Sesame Street’s cartoon pals Bert and Ernie.
Mayor Jay Gillian and wife Michele were dressed as the Scarecrow and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, arriving with George and Rose Savastano as the Tin Woodsman and Cowardly Lion.
Councilwoman Karen Bergman was among the early arrivals, as was Councilman Bobby Barr and Michelle Eggleston as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
“This is what Ocean City is all about said Barr. “The community coming together to help the Theatre Company do its thing. They do a tremendous job for the kids and adult around town and I’m proud to be here to do everything I can to help support their efforts.”
Many attendees made grand entrances. One of the more creative “group costumes” was a gang of approximately 25 people, including Councilman Mike DeVlieger portraying Ocean City’s new Roller Coaster.
When all was said and done, the attendees all had a great time and supported one of Ocean City’s many treasures of the arts, its Theatre Company.
